Hoping to Go DIY for Window Cleaning? Here’s why that’s a Bad Idea

While DIY window cleaning sounds pretty straightforward, there are a lot of ways it can go wrong. It might not always give you the results you wanted, and it could be unsafe for someone who’s untrained when it comes to reaching high spots.

So while it may seem like an inexpensive fix to an easy problem, there’s a multitude of mistakes you could make, such as:

Making use of the wrong tools

Many people use newspaper to dry window glass. However, this can damage your windows due to the harsh chemicals newspapers contain, not to mention the ink in the paper, which can rub off on the glass.

You shouldn’t use paper towels either, since small paper towel particles remain on the glass afterward and make it look dirty.

The only items you need for window cleaning are a sponge, microfiber cloth, bucket, and a squeegee to control the flow of window cleaner on the window. If hard dirt has accumulated on your window, you might also need a scraper.

While it may seem inconsequential, you shouldn’t use regular cloth. Regular cloths leave fibers over the glass, so a microfiber cloth is best. Tap water can also leave streaks behind, so professional window cleaners usually use distilled water that’s free of minerals.

Applying too much pressure to scrape

If you’re using a scraper to get rid of hard dirt, it can be difficult to know how much pressure to apply, and you could end up seriously damaging the glass of your window. Professional window cleaners are adept at keeping their hand steady and apply the right amount of pressure to get rid of dirt without scraping the glass.

Reaching too far

If your windows are too high for you to reach, you’ll need to use a stable step ladder.

However, you may still end up over-reaching when cleaning higher spots, which could be dangerous and could lead to a fall. If the windows are too high for you to reach, it’s best if you call a professional window cleaning service.

Soaping the windows all in one go

While you’re washing windows, it’s best to work in sections. By soaping all of the glass at the same time, you’ll end up with deposited soap that will dry up—especially on hot, sunny days.

Trained window cleaners always go section by section—soaping, rinsing, and drying one section before moving on to the next.

At Birds Beware, there’s no cleaning job we can’t do. Our services include affordable commercial and residential window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and snow removal in Vail, Avon, New Castle, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to get your cleaning jobs done professionally!